China rejected HK plan to withdraw bill: sources
China recently rejected a formal submission from Hong Kong for a "full withdrawal" of an unpopular extradition bill. That's according to three government sources who spoke exclusively with Reuters. The bill is a key issue that's sparked months of protests in the city. China's rejection represents concrete evidence of Beijing's control over the Hong Kong government's response to the protests. It also calls into question China's promise that Hong Kong would have a high degree of autonomy. (SOUNDBITE) (English) HONG KONG CHIEF EXECUTIVE CARRIE LAM, SAYING: "I reiterate here, there is no such plan. The bill is dead." Dead - but not 'withdrawn.' Lam has stopped short of using that term, only saying work on the bill has stopped. The protests didn't stop. They've lasted twelve straight weeks. In press conferences, Lam has not been clear on whether she has the autonomy to withdraw the bill herself. But one source told Reut...
